OverviewThe Design Doha Prize 2026 is a prestigious biennial initiative that recognizes and supports exceptional design talent across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Celebrating excellence across four key design disciplines — Craft, Product Design, Furniture Design, and Emerging Talent — the prize empowers designers through financial support, mentorship, media exposure, and unique opportunities for global retail. Winners will be announced in April 2026 during a formal Prize Ceremony held at the Museum of Islamic Art, designed by I. M. Pei, attended by leading figures in the design industry.Why You Should ParticipateThis is a career-defining opportunity for designers in the MENA region. The Design Doha Prize not only offers a significant financial grant but also unlocks access to:- A mentorship program with industry leaders- A prestigious design residency- Exposure through global media partners- One-season retail distribution of the winning design- Visibility at a high-profile event attended by jurors, influencers, designers, business leaders, and moreWinning this prize means becoming part of a celebrated network of creative professionals, and gaining recognition as a key player shaping the future of design in the region.Key Highlights- Categories:- Craft- Product Design- Furniture Design- Emerging Talent- Eligibility Criteria:- Open to citizens or residents of the MENA region- Must be 18 years or older by the application due date- Applicants in the Emerging Talent category must be current students or 2024–2025 design graduates- The prize can be received only once by a designer- Applicants must be available for the judging session in April 2026- Unique Features:- Winners receive a financial grant of 200,000 QAR- Winners gain a mentorship, a residency, and retail exposure- The award ceremony will take place at the iconic Museum of Islamic ArtDesign Doha Prize 2026Entry FeesEntry TypeFeeAll CategoriesFreePrizes and RecognitionAward CategoryPrize DetailsCraft200,000 QAR grant, mentorship, residency, retail opportunityProduct Design200,000 QAR grant, mentorship, residency, retail opportunityFurniture Design200,000 QAR grant, mentorship, residency, retail opportunityEmerging Talent200,000 QAR grant, mentorship, residency, retail opportunitySubmission DetailsApplicants must submit the following:- Completed application form with personal and project statements- Budget outlining how the 200,000 QAR prize would be utilized- Portfolio showcasing recent collections/products- Company or personal profile with background information- A highlighted project that demonstrates skills and design process (to be submitted for display, subject to a separate loan agreement)Important DatesEventDatePrize CeremonyApril 2026How to JoinTo participate in the Design Doha Prize 2026:- Prepare your application materials (form, budget, portfolio, profiles, project).- Ensure eligibility according to the guidelines.- Submit your completed application before the deadline.- Be available for the judging session in April 2026.(registration link)Judging CriteriaSubmissions will be evaluated based on:- Originality and creativity of the design- Relevance and cultural significance within the MENA region- Clarity of the design process and execution- Quality of the portfolio and highlighted project- Potential for global impact and innovationFollow all bold ideas, trends, and updates from the world of architectural content on ArchUp.Registration Deadline0Day0Hour0Minute0Second Read the full article
